The 990 EVO vs 990 PRO comparison has become a hot topic among PC builders, gamers, and content creators alike.
Both SSDs come from Samsung’s top-tier lineup, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities.
This blog takes a closer look at how the two drives stack up, on paper and in real-world use. From speed and thermal performance to value and power efficiency, every angle is covered.
Whether it’s for gaming, office tasks, or everyday computing, this is the showdown that reveals which SSD truly delivers where it matters most.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on publicly available data and official specifications as of 2025. Actual performance and pricing may vary depending on system configurations, usage, and market conditions. Always refer to the manufacturer’s website or authorized retailers for the most current details.
990 Pro vs 990 Evo: Product Background & Key Specs
Below are the key features and specifications of the Samsung 990 evo vs 990 pro:
Samsung 990 PRO: High-End Performance SSD
Ideal for gamers, streamers, and creators seeking top-tier speed and responsiveness.
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 (faster bandwidth)
- NAND Type: Samsung V-NAND (7th/8th-gen)
- Controller: Samsung Pascal
- DRAM: Yes (faster cache)
- Speeds: Up to 7,450 MB/s read, 6,900 MB/s write
- Capacities: 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
- Extras: Available with or without heatsink (good for gaming PCs)
Samsung 990 EVO: Hybrid SSD
Best for budget gamers, casual users, or a secondary SSD in modern builds.
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x2 & PCIe 4.0 x4 hybrid
- NAND Type: Samsung V-NAND (7th-gen)
- Controller: Samsung Piccolo (newer but lower-end)
- DRAM: No (uses Host Memory Buffer instead)
- Speeds: Up to 5,000 MB/s read, 4,200 MB/s write
- Capacities: 1 TB, 2 TB
- Extras: No heatsink, lower power usage, cooler operation
Performance Breakdown (According to Samsung)
Here’s how the Samsung 990 evo vs 990 pro stack up on paper. These are the official speed and IOPS numbers from Samsung, giving you a clear idea of what each drive is built to handle.
| Specification | Samsung 990 PRO | Samsung 990 EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 5.0 x2 / PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Sequential Read | Up to 7,450 MB/s | Up to 5,000 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | Up to 6,900 MB/s | Up to 4,200 MB/s |
| Random Read (4K) | Up to 1,400,000 IOPS | Up to 700,000 IOPS |
| Random Write (4K) | Up to 1,550,000 IOPS | Up to 800,000 IOPS |
Relative advantage: 990 PRO offers ~49% faster read and ~64% faster writes; random read/write roughly 100% faster.
Benchmark Comparisons (Real‑World Tests)
While official specs are functional, real-world performance is what matters, especially for gaming.
Here’s a comparison of the Samsung 990 Evo vs 990 Pro in actual benchmark tests, focusing on system speed, file handling, and overall efficiency.
PCMark 10 System Test
In system-level testing, the 990 PRO outperforms the EVO by about 14–15%. It handles tasks like game launching, app loading, and multitasking more quickly.
The PRO also has lower latency, around 36 microseconds, compared to 42 microseconds on the EVO, so actions feel more instant and responsive.
File Transfer Performance
When transferring large files like game installs or media content, the 990 PRO leads with speeds up to 1,000 MB/s faster than the EVO.
This is noticeable if you’re regularly moving large games, especially in Steam or Battle.net folders.
4K Random Read/Write
For smaller everyday tasks, like autosaves, asset loading in games, and browsing folders, the 990 PRO again comes out ahead, offering 14–16% faster performance.
Running games alongside background apps like Discord or OBS can improve overall system responsiveness.
Power Usage & Heat
The 990 EVO is more power-efficient and cooler-running, using up to 17% less power per MB transferred.
This makes it a better fit for laptops or small form factor PCs. The 990 PRO, while faster, runs hotter and may need a heatsink to avoid thermal throttling in compact builds.
Everyday Use, Gaming, and Office Work Considerations
Whether you’re a gamer, office user, or just need a fast everyday drive, the Samsung 990 PRO and 990 EVO offer different strengths. Below is a quick breakdown of which SSD fits best for various types of usage:
Samsung 990 PRO: High-End Gaming Focus
- Faster Game Load Times: Loads large games and levels quicker thanks to higher read speeds.
- Better Asset Streaming: Handles open-world textures and in-game loading more smoothly.
- Efficient Multitasking: DRAM cache ensures smooth gameplay even with background apps like OBS or Discord.
- Heatsink Recommended: Can run hot during gaming sessions; a heatsink is often necessary.
- Future-Proof Speed: Better suited for next-gen games with larger installs and faster streaming demands.
- Best Overall for Gamers: If budget allows, the 990 PRO delivers top-tier gaming performance.
Samsung 990 EVO: Value & Efficiency Focus
- Cooler Operation: Runs cooler under load, ideal for laptops or compact PC builds.
- Lower Power Usage: More energy-efficient, making it suitable for portable gaming setups.
- Budget-Friendly Option: Offers decent performance for casual gamers at a lower price.
- Incredible Secondary Drive: Perfect for storing less demanding titles or backup game libraries.
Value & Pricing
The Samsung 990 EVO is the more affordable choice, typically priced 15–25% less than the 990 PRO. It’s an excellent option for budget builds or secondary storage.
The 990 PRO costs more but offers noticeably faster performance and better overall responsiveness, ideal for serious gamers and power users.
Typical U.S. pricing (as of 2025):
1. 990 EVO 2TB: ~$110–$120 approx.
2. 990 PRO 2TB: ~$140–$160 (with or without heatsink), approx.
The PRO also comes in a 4TB version, which the EVO does not, making it better suited for large game libraries or content-heavy workloads.
User Community Sentiment & Opinions
To help you decide between the Samsung 990 evo vs 990 pro. Below are direct quotes and links from actual owners sharing their experiences:
- REDDIT FORUM REVIEW ON 990 EVO- user’s experience
- REDDIT FORUM REVIEW ON 990 PRO- user’s experience
- Linus FORUM REVIEW ON 990 PRO- user’s experience
- Quora FORUM REVIEW ON 990 PRO AND 990 EVO- user’s experience
Overview Rating of 990 Pro vs 990 Evo
The Samsung 990 PRO is built for high-performance users who need top-tier speed, fast game loading, and heavy multitasking power, though it runs hotter and costs more.
The 990 EVO, while slower, offers excellent value with cooler operation and better power efficiency, making it ideal for casual gamers, secondary storage, and budget-conscious PC builds.
Conclusion
Choosing between performance and practicality can be tough, but the 990 EVO vs 990 PRO debate comes down to your needs and budget.
If you crave top-tier speed, ultra-fast game loading, and future-proof performance, the 990 PRO is a beast that won’t disappoint.
On the other hand, the 990 EVO offers cool, efficient operation and solid everyday performance, perfect for casual gamers and savvy savers. Both drives shine in their own way.
We’d love to hear your experience. Are you Team EVO or Team PRO? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
